Hibernian ace Martin Boyle stars in first games for Australia

Hibernian ace Martin Boyle stars in first games for Australia

A FOOTBALLER from Dunbar is celebrating after winning his first international caps and scoring twice for his country in the space of four days.

Hibs winger Martin Boyle, who was capped for Scotland’s under-16s a decade ago, scored twice for Australia against Lebanon on Tuesday – just days after making his Socceroos debut off the bench against South Korea.

Boyle took just 19 minutes to open the scoring on Tuesday in Sydney when his shot from 20 yards deflected off Joan Oumari and spun into the net.

There was no doubt about his second goal, though, which arrived just before the break. Milos Degenek’s header came back off the bar and Boyle was in the right place to poke in the rebound.

To round off an impressive first start, Boyle claimed an assist in the second half when his cross was turned home by Mathew Leckie.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Australia boss Graham Arnold was quick to praise Boyle in an interview with socceroos.com.au

He said: “It was a no-brainer [to see] if I could convince him to play for Australia. To be honest I didn’t have to work too hard to convince him, he was very keen to do it. He’s fit into the group so well. He’s a fantastic kid.”

Boyle’s first cap came in Brisbane as the hosts drew 1-1 with South Korea.

The 25-year-old, who has made more than a century of appearances for Hibs, qualifies to play for Australia through his dad, who was born in Sydney.

Speaking after that match, Boyle told the Socceroos website: “I was very honoured [to play]. For the gaffer to throw me on, he’s given me a right good chance here and I want to grab it with two hands.”

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